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HomeMy WebLinkAbout__2021-08-08FirefightersextinguishmultiplebrushfiresacrossislandonSaturdayDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR News Release For Immediate Release: August 8, 2021 COUNTY OF KAUA‘I KAUA‘I FIRE DEPARTMENT STEVEN R. GOBLE, CHIEF (808) 241-4980 Firefighters extinguish multiple brush fires across the island on Saturday Kaua‘i firefighters responded to multiple brush fires on Saturday, with no injuries or structural damages reported. The cause of the fires remains under investigation, but at this time there are no indications that the fires are related. Koke‘e At approximately 12:15 p.m., Waimea firefighters were dispatched to investigate a possible brush fire near mile marker 9 off Waimea Canyon Road in Koke‘e. No signs of smoke or fire were seen until shortly before 2 p.m., when Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 spotted a forested area with smoke coming through the trees. Due to the fire’s inaccessible location, Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 were short-hauled to the scene. Using equipment from Engine 7 and Truck 7, along with support from Air 1 conducting water drops, the fire was controlled at approximately 6:20 p.m. The scene was turned over to personnel from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources-Division of Forestry and Wildlife, for further response. Kalaheo At around 4:45 p.m., while Air 1 personnel were flying out from the Koke‘e fire to refuel, they spotted a brush fire occurring near an area off Halewili Road in Kalāheo. Kalāheo and Hanapēpē firefighters were dispatched to the scene where they found a small brush fire burning between two dirt roads. The two roads created a natural fire break that contained the fire from spreading to the nearby coffee fields. Firefighters extinguished the fire and cleared the scene shortly after 6 p.m. Po‘ipū At approximately 8 p.m., Kōloa firefighters were dispatched to a brush fire near Keoneloa Bay, also known as Shipwreck’s Beach, in Po’ipū. Upon arrival, the fire was located down a dirt road next to the Shipwreck’s Beach parking lot, and was approximately a half-acre in size. As units responded, many palm trees and brush continued to burn with wind intensifying the flames. Personnel from Līhu‘e, Kalāheo, Hanapēpē, Rescue 3, and Tender 1, along with the on-duty Battalion Chief, were dispatched to assist. Once all units arrived on scene, firefighters were able to attack the blaze from all sides. The fire was extinguished without any extension to the nearby Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort, and most personnel cleared the scene around 2:30 a.m. Sunday. After the fire was extinguished, some units remained on scene to monitor the area for hot spots. One hot spot was extinguished at approximately 6:30 a.m. Hanapēpē While multiple units were responding to the brush fire at Shipwreck’s, firefighters received another report of an active brush fire located on the makai side of Burns Field in Hanapēpē. Hanapēpē firefighters with Engine 6 and Waimea firefighters with Truck 7 initially responded to the scene. Kalāheo firefighters with Truck 5, Hanapēpē firefighters with Truck 6, and the on-duty Battalion Chief responded shortly after they cleared the scene at Shipwreck’s. Officers with the Kaua‘i Police Department also responded and assisted with a comprehensive sweep, evacuating numerous individuals from the area. After all individuals were evacuated, fire officials determined the best strategy for response was to let the field burn itself out to mitigate numerous responses to the area. Access to the area was limited Sunday morning, as officials continued to monitor conditions for public safety. Kaua‘i police reopened the road at approximately 6 a.m. after receiving clearance from fire officials. Personnel continue to make periodic checks of the area for any residual hot spots. “We are extremely grateful for all of our firefighters who responded to these incidents, yesterday,” said Fire Chief Steven Goble. “If it weren’t for their swift actions, any of these fires could have turned into a devastating outcome. We urge the public to remember the importance of fire prevention when outdoors, especially during dry and windy conditions.” Left: Firefighters located the brush fire in Koke‘e shortly before 2 p.m., Saturday. Left: While flying out to refuel, Air 1 personnel spotted a second brush fire in an area off Halewili Road in Kalāheo. ### Above: Multiple units extinguished a brush fire near Shipwreck’s Beach in Po‘ipū early Sunday morning. Above: While units were still responding at Shipwreck’s, a report came in of another brush fire at Burns Field in Hanapēpē.